Galway’s first five-star hotel in more than 20 years is set to become one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s premier golf destinations

Galway, Ireland. Ireland’s west coast has welcomed a new landmark for luxury travel with the opening of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, the first five-star hotel to open in Galway in more than two decades. As a member of Leading Hotels of the World, the property combines luxury accommodation, championship golf, wellness and destination dining in one of the most ambitious hospitality developments ever undertaken in the region.

The opening marks the completion of a €60 million investment by Connacht Hospitality Group and fulfils the long-held vision of Irish golfing legend Christy O’Connor Jnr, who designed the resort’s championship golf course with the ambition of creating a world-class golf destination overlooking Galway Bay.

A New Golf Destination on the Wild Atlantic Way

Located along Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay enjoys a prime position within the country’s renowned golf corridor, providing international golfers with an exceptional base between the famous links courses of the southwest and the championship layouts of the northwest.

Alongside the hotel opening, the resort has completed a major upgrade of its par-72 championship golf course, including a comprehensive bunker redevelopment programme designed to elevate the playing experience to the same world-class standard as the rest of the property.

Contemporary Irish Luxury

The hotel features 114 elegant guestrooms, including 47 Junior Suites and 17 Penthouse Suites, all thoughtfully designed to showcase a contemporary interpretation of Irish luxury.

Dining is led by The Skylark, the resort’s signature live-fire restaurant celebrating the finest local Irish produce, while The Oystercatcher Bar pairs Japanese-inspired cuisine with panoramic views across the championship golf course and Galway Bay.

Wellness Inspired by Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

At the heart of the resort is The Spa at The Hawthorn, an immersive wellness sanctuary dedicated to relaxation, restoration and balance. Guests can enjoy bespoke contrast therapy, personalised treatments and tranquil relaxation areas inspired by the surrounding Atlantic landscape.

The wellness experience also includes outdoor bathing rituals that connect visitors with the natural beauty of Ireland’s dramatic west coast.

Further enhancing the guest experience are several distinctive venues, including Chocolate Nest, an artisan chocolatier, an exclusive Whiskey Room, and a curated Wine Cellar designed for private tastings and intimate events.

A Landmark Development for Irish Luxury Tourism

General Manager John Keating described the opening as a defining moment for hospitality in western Ireland.

“The Hawthorn by Galway Bay represents a new chapter for hospitality in the west of Ireland. Every detail has been carefully crafted to create an experience that is both distinctive and deeply connected to Galway and its remarkable landscape.”

Keating added that anticipation ahead of the opening had been exceptionally strong and expressed his pride in finally welcoming guests to experience the property.

Setting a New Benchmark for Golf Tourism in Ireland

With the opening of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay and the extensive enhancement of its championship golf course, Galway has gained a new flagship destination for luxury travel while reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as one of the world’s leading golf destinations.

Combining championship golf, luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and world-class wellness, the resort is set to become a must-visit destination for golfers and discerning travellers exploring Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline.